Audi Q7 e-tron confirmed for Australia

At long last, Audi's hybrid-powered Q7 e-tron is on its way to Australia.

The premium brand unveiled a production-ready plug-in hybrid version of its full-sized SUV back in 2015, shortly before confirming that the model would be available in Australia.

Set to reach our shores in January 2018, the Q7 e-tron will sit just below the V8-powered SQ7 at the top of the regular Q7 range.

Priced from $139,900 plus on-road costs, the Q7 costs more than rival hybrid machines such as BMW's $118,500 X5 40e and the $124,900 Mercedes-Benz GLE 500e.

Unlike petrol-electric alternatives, the Q7 e-tron is the only diesel-powered hybrid in its class, blending a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with an electric motor integrated within its eight speed transmission.

2017 Audi Q7 e-tron. Photo: Supplied

The 190kW and 600Nm V6 works with a 94kW and 350Nm electric motor to offer combined 275kW and 700Nm outputs - enough to reach 100km/h in a spritely 6.2 seconds.

Claimed 1.9L/100km fuel economy is impressive at a glance, but as with most cars of this type, the government test cycle is a poor reflection of the car's ultimate abilities.

Audi's 17.3kWh battery pack offers a claimed 56 kilometres of range, a fully electric top speed of 135km/h and the ability to reach 60km/h in 6.5 seconds without using a drop of fuel.

In other words, most people will be able to get the commute, school runs and errands done on battery power alone.

And those who want to drive for long distances will welcome a claimed total range of 1320 kilometres - enough to outlast any passenger's bladder.

It's a beautifully finished, generously equipped place to be - comfortable, quiet and intuitive to use.

But the hybrid model asks customers to compromise on practicality by going without the seven-seat layout that makes the regular Q7 a hit with families - extra electrical gear makes this a five-seat proposition.

The heavy e-tron is also less dynamic to drive than a regular Q7, feeling lumpen in the bends due to the 375kg of hybrid gear and 40kg of chassis reinforcement it must carry. Inconsistent responses from its regenerative braking system may also frustrate drivers.

Then again, the Q7's blend of polish and punch should put it on top of shopping lists for premium hybrid SUV customers.

Yes, the Q7 e-tron is a niche proposition, and wealthy SUV shoppers in Australia may be more likely to gravitate toward the $153,616 SQ7 and its sensational 320kW/900Nm diesel V8.

But those who have been patient will find that the hybrid Q7 has been worth the wait.